Front Row Motorsports just made a huge move. The 26-year-old Zane Smith has signed a new multi-year contract to race the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in 2026.
He’s baaaack.
We’re excited to announce that we have agreed to a multi year extension with @ZaneSmith pic.twitter.com/IbUOrqkl5P
— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) October 23, 2025
This comes at a time when FRM and 23XI Racing are suing NASCAR concerning the operation of its charter system. The lawsuit has created a lot of focus on smaller teams, such as FRM, who demand a fair playing field in the sport.
For FRM, keeping Smith isn’t just about racing. It is about stability. Smith is young, fast, and focused. And his return gives the team something solid to build on while everything else in NASCAR feels uncertain.
It’s been great to be back. Excited for the future with this 38 group! https://t.co/vpFhReRWt0
— Zane Smith (@ZaneSmith) October 23, 2025
A Winning History with Front Row Motorsports
Zane Smith’s story with FRM goes back a few years. In 2022, he won the Truck Series championship with the team. That year, he earned four wins and finished in the top ten 19 times out of 23 races. That’s no small feat.
Now, after racing for Trackhouse and Spire Motorsports, Smith is back where he first made his mark. In the 2025 Cup Series, he’s sitting 27th in the standings but has been putting together steady top-20 finishes.
FRM knows what it’s doing here; they’re not just signing a driver. They’re locking in someone they believe can grow with the team. Alongside Todd Gilliland and Noah Gragson, Smith gives FRM one of the most promising young lineups in the garage.
In NASCAR, finding drivers who can stay consistent and loyal matters a lot. This deal shows FRM wants to keep developing homegrown stars instead of just renting talent.
NASCAR’s Legal Drama Heats Up
This new contract also drops right in the middle of NASCAR’s legal storm. FRM and 23XI Racing have filed an antitrust lawsuit, saying the current charter system isn’t fair to smaller teams.
Yahoo Sports reported on October 16, 2025, that private NASCAR messages from three years ago showed worries about rival leagues and financial threats. It’s kind of like what happened with the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
There’s more, NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell’s comments about 23XI’s co-owner Curtis Polk made things even messier. The trial is set for December 1, and though NASCAR offered a settlement, the teams aren’t backing down.
And don’t forget, FRM bought a charter earlier this year from the now-closed Stewart-Haas Racing. That move added another twist to the story, putting FRM in a stronger but more complicated position heading into 2026.
What’s Next for 2026
The future looks exciting and busy. NASCAR’s 2026 schedule brings fresh energy to the season. There’s a new street race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego on June 21. North Wilkesboro Speedway returns as a full points race on July 19. And Chicagoland Speedway makes a comeback on the July 4 weekend.
For Zane Smith and FRM, that’s a perfect mix of challenges. Smith will have a chance to show off his skills on short tracks, road courses, and street circuits.
All signs point to this: Zane Smith’s return could be the start of something big for Front Row Motorsports, not just a new contract, but a new chapter.
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